Most people regard winter driving as sloppy and uncomfortable. Few think of it in terms of life or death situations.

But you're in a grim situation if you get stranded without proper equipment in a car during severe winter weather.

Before leaving on a trip, check weather and road conditions. Be familiar with alternate routes. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Let relatives and friends know where you're going and when you expect to arrive.

If you're marooned, the safest place is inside your vehicle. Exposure to the elements can be fatal. Clapping hands and flexing muscles will help keep you warm.

If you run the engine to heat the interior, clear snow from the exhaust pipe. Run the motor and heater only a few minutes each hour. When the engine is on, open a window slightly to avoid a build-up of deadly exhaust fumes.

Here are items that should be in a car for winter survival:

A "call help" flag or other brightly colored item that can be tied to the antenna.

Ice scraper, snow brush, rags.

Shovel, traction mats or old rugs, tire chains, salt and cat-box litter or sand.

Jumper cables, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and extra drive belts.

Jack, block of wood to help support the jack on soft surfaces, aerosol flat fixer and portable tire pump.

Basic auto tool kit.

Blankets and extra clothing.

Nonperishable, high-calorie food and a container in which to melt snow into water.

Candles and waterproof matches.

Flashlight with extra batteries, flares and roadway reflectors.

Basic first-aid kit.